As in times past, Prairie du Rocher will end its Christmas season and welcome the new year with the Twelfth Night Ball this Saturday, Jan. 4.
The first white settlers of this area, the French, were Catholics. After Advent, a four week period of prayer, they began their Christmas celebration on Christmas Day and ended with Epiphany, the 12th day of Christmas. The early residents of Prairie du Rocher, settled in 1722, celebrated the end of the season with the Twelfth Night Ball. The tradition survives today.
A cake with four beans baked inside is served to all gentlemen attending the ball. The first to find a bean is crowned king of the ball. He then selects his queen. The court is selected with the remaining beans. Since this is a leap year some things may change!
Also a separate cake will be served to the younger attendees in order to select junior attendants.
This year’s ball will be held Jan. 4 from 8 p.m. to midnight at the American Legion Hall on Route 155 in Prairie du Rocher. The cake is served at about 9 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m.
For more information, please see this week’s print edition.